Wonderful Whites

Here is a selection of wonderful white wines that are perfect for enjoying while sitting on the patio during the last few weeks of summer. 
1. France, Domaine Allimant-Laugner, Alsace, Pinot Blanc, 2006, 12.5%

For only $13 (depending of course on the retailer) this Pinot Blanc from France is superb. The wine is clear and straw colored with aromas of apricot, peach pits, and honeysuckle. The wine was aged in stainless steel, and thus has a consistent nose from the bottom to the top of the glass. On the palate this Pinot Blanc is smooth and medium dry in style. Tastes in the mouth include honey, tart lime (malic acid) and salty rock (succinic acid). Additionally, this wine has a beautifully long finish and can be held until 2015. Serve this wine with anything from burgers to pizza.

2. France, Domaine Juliette Avril, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Blanc, 2006, 14%

My favorite! The 2006 Domaine Juliette Avril from Chateauneuf-du-Pape is an absolute bargain for $30. Chateauneuf-du-Pape,  a district in the Rhone Valley, is famous for their red wines which are made primarily with the Grenache grape. This wine, however, is extremely unique in that it is a white wine made primarily with Grenache Blanc grapes (blended with Roussanne, Clairette, and Bourboulenc).

The wine is clear and canary in color with slight hints of green. The grapes used to make this wine are over thirty years old, creating in the wine a very watery edge. The wine has a very pleasant nose with aromas of orange blossom, orange zest, baked fruit, and peach cobbler. Because the wine was rested on lees (the dead yeast) for a bit of time, the bouquet has gentle and elegant notes of yeast and bread dough.  

On the palate the wine is medium dry and surprisingly medium-full bodied, which is mostly due to the Lee's Treatment the wine has undergone, which increases both body and viscosity of wine. There are beautiful notes of citric acid combined with honey, baking flour, and almonds in the mouth. The wine is relatively young and will be at its peak in 2013. Yet this wine is so good I get impatient. 

Ultimately, this is a red wine disguised as a white wine. The wine will pair well with truffles, seafood, white meats as well as a simply grilled steak. 

3. Spain, La Cana, Rías Baikas, Albariño, 2008, 13%

At around $16, La Cana is a refreshing wine that pairs well with red onions, shrimp, or even a nicely prepared candied walnut salad. The wine has a slight straw color with scents of honeysuckle, rose, and sweet fruit on the nose. On the palate the wine is medium-dry towards slightly-sweet with a light body accompanied with fresh notes of orange zest, pineapple, and salty minerality. Drink this wine now in order to enjoy it at its peak.

Quick Information:

Albariño is the most popular grape grown in the Galicia region of Spain. It is usually very light bodied and is a wonderful summer sipper.

4. United States, Adelsheim, Oregon-Willamette Valley, Pinot Gris, 2007, 13.6%

For around $13 this a unique and delightful Pinot Gris from Oregon. The wine is pale green in color with beautiful clarity. On the nose there is a fun aroma combination of green apple, white pepper, and fresh herbs. The wine has gone through Malolactic Fermentation and has been aged in French Oak, creating a bouquet of vanilla and buttery cream. On the palate the wine is medium-dry and smooth with notes of rose and fresh white flowers. Drink this wine now and pair it with duck and creamy sauces which will complement the acidity in the wine.